Is the office you rent ideally located for your business?

Could there be offices to rent that better suit your needs? And could a change of office make your business more efficient – or save you money?

Manchester-based Paul Willan Property has created the following five-point checklist to help you make sure you’re renting offices that are right for you…

1) IS THE OFFICE YOU RENT COST-EFFECTIVE?

Perhaps the most obvious – and important – factor to consider when looking for offices to rent is cost. Are you paying over the odds? Could you save money by renting offices that are smaller, or in a different location? Even if you’re happy with the office you rent at the moment, it might be worth investigating alternative premises. Anything that can help you save money is well worth considering, especially in the current economic climate.

2) DO YOU RENT AN OFFICE IN THE RIGHT LOCATION?

When renting offices, it’s important to be in the right location. Do you need to be right in the city centre? If most of your staff or visiting clients travel to your office by car, is your office easy to access? It’s important to get that balance between accessibility and cost of rent.

3) HOW BIG – OR SMALL- DOES THE OFFICE YOU RENT NEED TO BE?

When it comes to renting offices, size matters. Take a look around your office. Are your teams crammed in like sardines? Or is there more office space than you could ever need? Renting a smaller office could save you money. Conversely, if your teams can’t move without bumping into each other, maybe it’s time to look for a larger office to rent.

4) DO YOU HAVE A FIXED OR FLEXIBLE LEASE?

If you’re currently tied into a long-term lease, think carefully before you renew. Can you guarantee you’ll need an office for the same size for so long? If you don’t already have a short term lease, consider moving to an office that allows you more flexibility. With a flexible lease you can upsize or downscale as your business demands it.

5) IS GOOD TRANSPORT LINKS AND/OR FREE PARKING?

Can your staff and clients easily access your office via public transport links? A city centre location, has access to train , bus and metro links, that industrial units cannot provide.Do you currently rent an office that offers adequate parking for you, your staff and visitors? Do they have to pay to park, or park a considerable distance from your office? If your office comes up short on any of the above criteria, why not take a look at Carrington Business Park?